Over the Bridge Report
Coun. Mrs Dawson to compile.

Minutes of Previous Meeting scroll down
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendments.

Matters Arising

HERS
Nothing to report.

RCV/Development Trust
A meeting had been held of the new organisation - Coun. Sandford said as one or two major speakers did not think it was necessary, the meeting started to go into an idea of a loose formation for the benefit of the smaller parishes.  Coun. Sandford felt it is difficult for Rothbury, but there does not appear to be any common interest with other parishes,  Rothbury PC could be a member if they were generous enough in spirit.  Coun. Fendley said a trust is dependent on its constituent members having a common goal or purpose, however there was no indication of anything nearing a common purpose, and it had become almost a debating society, and he does not think it has a future.  Coun. Reynalds said a further meeting will be called to bring forward ideas for  parishes. RPC to write to John Murray, however Coun. Reynalds thought there was not one project in Rothbury funded solely from the aid/advice of RCV, and is not clear certain statements are correct.  Coun. Sandford said if in September small parishes are bringing along small projects, it is important for them, but is it something Rothbury PC would get involved with.  Coun. Mrs Edes said Rothbury PC have some projects ongoing, Coun. Sandford commented Rothbury meet far more regularly and have a momentum going, and would hate to think RPC would have to wait to talk to this group for priority funding.  Coun. Fendley said a fair realisation to support further actions would be to have some form of secretariat and support base.  Coun. Reynalds was concerned money available could be swallowed up by such administration costs.  Coun. Mrs Edes said if there is difficulty obtaining funding without a development trust it would be valuable to be involved.   Coun. Fendley intends to bring up the October project under AOB.

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee scroll down
Coun. Mrs Morton has information of a pregnant lady going on an Arriva bus unable to purchase a return ticket to Newcastle but could pay £5 to go anywhere, however on returning Northumbria bus company would not take the £5 ticket, and said the passenger had to pay again, however the driver had no change and said she would have to leave the bus.  Coun. Reynalds asked if she had forwarded a formal complaint to the bus company, Coun. Mrs Morton said not as yet, had approached the PC firstly -  Coun. Mrs Morton to follow this up on behalf of the PC.  Coun. Fendley thought a headline in the Gazette would be beneficial.  Coun. Mrs Edes said the system of not being able to use a ticket with the other bus company is inadequate.  Coun. Sandford added he has been approached by persons using the bus service saying there has been an attempt when they have been paying their fare for being over-charged, and when this was queried the bus representatives have backed down.  Coun. Fendley said the 9am post bus always runs early, and the 115 post bus service runs at 1pm, therefore the time-table that is incorrect.

Affordable Housing
To be taken off the agenda.

Play Areas
Coun. Fendley waiting for the Addycombe group to prepare an up-to-date price list for the proposed equipment.

West End Entrance
Nothing to report.

Website
To be taken off agenda.

Rothbury Motors Bus
John Lazarus, Upper Coquetdale Transport Group has contacted Coun. Sandford to say he is asking Andrew Mackay for an invoice for the service, however working it out, the end date for funding is the end of August.  There will be communication with the users, Coun. Sandford thought it was the PC’s duty to carry this out, and asked has the possibility of funding been exhausted?  Coun. Reynalds suggested a sub-committee meeting to discuss this, agreed as Coun. Reynalds, Fendley and Sandford.  Coun. Reynalds thought a volunteer could be used to use the mini-bus for a shopping service.

War Memorial
Coun. Fendley understands the temporary repair has been effected, and asked if anything has been done about a permanent repair?  Coun. Reynalds thought there was some debate as to whether the repair was temporary or permanent, Coun. Mrs Edes reported it would last a long time.  Coun. Fendley to look at the area before the next PC meeting.

Dog Bins
Correspondence received from ADC, confirming an order has been placed with Technical Services for a bin at Hillside West.

Nursing Home scroll down
Coun. Sandford reported a meeting to be held at the beginning of August with the Contract’s Manager and a number of other personnel, to be held at the Surgery, guaranteed beds will be discussed.

Ambulance Service
Coun. Sandford had attended a meeting this afternoon of the transitional steering group. The new system started on 3/7/07, and the new vehicles will be available from the end of August, being a specially designed vehicle.  Five paramedics have been secured for the area, and there is still one vacancy.  Interestingly Coun. Sandford is in possession of a detailed record of the calls from the area from April to June which have been broken down and categorised.  The one fact that stood out is there were less than 100 calls of any kind, with only 13 being emergency 999 calls, of those, after investigation, 5 were of persons in dire need of treatment.  After misconceptions, the basic fact is the paramedics themselves know it is likely there are big gaps with nothing to do and do want to be involved with the medical services for the area.  Coun. Mrs Morton said with 5 paramedics, what are the parameters of the area?  Coun. Sandford said there was a misconception the Rothbury ambulance was only based in Rothbury, but all the employees are based in communication rooms, there is nobody tied to one location.  Coun. Mrs Morton asked if these statistics say where the emergency 999 calls were from, and where the ambulances came from?  Coun. Sandford reported, Rothbury, Morpeth, First Responder, Alnwick and Amble.  Coun. Fendley not as positive as Coun. Sandford, to be told there will not be a new vehicle until the end of August with the new period already commenced and understood the temporary vehicle is totally inadequate - this comment being from a professional source - and there is still all of July and August to go without the correct vehicle.  Coun. Fendley thought with paramedics travelling from Alnwick or Morpeth, persons could be dead by the time they are reached.  Coun. Sandford said they could be parked up in the area, and not necessarily travelling from these places.  Coun. Fendley said in fairness the system has to be evaluated, but he is sounding a more cautious note.  Coun. Sandford will ring the ambulance headquarters to verify the report of a saloon type vehicle being used.  Coun. Mrs Edes reported an ambulance picking somebody up in the village, Coun. Sandford said when a call is received, an ambulance and a paramedic is called once a person starts speaking on the telephone, the control room have all details of the call.  If it becomes evident it is not such an urgent call, the ambulance will be stood down, and the paramedic sent.  Coun. Fendley has worked with these control persons, and it was claimed in the past as being 10 minutes the target, and is not reassured they will be able to maintain this same level.  Coun. Sandford reported the steering group do realise there is disquiet and are to distribute a newsletter to keep the general public involved.

Waste Recovery Centre
Coun. Fendley said is it sufficiently a priority to ask NCC/ADC if they are looking for alternative sites.  Coun. Mrs Morton thought this an important agenda item.  Coun. Mrs Edes said would there not be a site further up the valley that could be used.  Coun. Sandford thought being a tourist place, NCC/ADC may not want this, Coun. Fendley cannot understand why the NCC municipal yard can’t be utilised, Coun. Mrs Edes said it was now designated a flood area.  Coun. Mrs Edes said there was also a tip area over Garleigh.

Village Noticeboard/Map
Coun. Mrs Dawson has spoken to ADC, and the personnel have been speaking to Coun. Mills, the board will be up in the next few weeks - apparently there is a one the same at Greenwell Lane car park in Alnwick.  It will display a local map and information about St Oswald’s Way.

Police Station Re-location
Coun. Fendley said the possible police station re-location to the registrar’s area is still only possible, he has spoken to persons with knowledge but who are unable to confirm it - this being an interesting concept as the Heritage Centre have been offered the same space.  At the Police Forum the chestnut of speeding was the subject of debate, it seems the police have no money, but have been encouraged as a forum to send a letter to the Chief Constable expressing the PC’s concerns. The other chestnut discussed was parking, Sergeant Danagher has said yellow lines have led to an improvement, but said because of the lack of resources the policing of the lines would not be routinely carried out.  It was indicated the crime level is reducing but they did concede there has been some opportunistic theft recently, and for 2 of the crimes persons have been arrested.  Coun. Sandford did bring up the point of the difference between the yellow line plan agreed as to what had happened, it was obvious the police were unaware of this and had replied they thought it was splendid and an improvement!  Coun. Mrs Edes reiterated 4 parking places have been lost, near the church, by Soulsby’s shop, and at Haw Hill.  Coun. Reynalds understood it was subject to review.  A one way street sign has been put by the Newcastle Hotel.

Defra Fixed Penalty Fines
Clerk to chase this literature up, Coun. Sandford said after waiting 3 months for a reply, this should be chased up.

Budget for Minor Work Repairs scroll down
£100 for minor repairs agreed at previous meeting.  Coun. Fendley asked if in terms of insurance has anything been resolved for persons carrying out work.  Kathy Jacob has said the PC will have employer’s liability insurance, and Alistair Gaskell will be covered under Public Liability.  Coun. Fendley said anybody carrying out work for the PC should be adequately insured.  Coun. Reynalds to speak to the insurance company about this.

Ten Year Plan
          i].    Haugh Land: Coun. Reynalds to forward letter to NE.
          ii].   Library Closures: Coun. Mrs Morton reported nothing has been said yes, no or may be about a Rothbury closure.

The following Accounts have been authorised
          i].    T W Alderson - bed products - £52.30 - chicken pellets had to be purchased which were more costly than thought
          ii].    Rospa - Addycombe play area inspection - £70.50 - Coun. Fendley to peruse inspection report before next PC meeting.
          iii].   D Metcalf - Internal Auditing Fee- £80

Seats & Trees
Correspondence received from Mrs Minto regarding the poor repair of the commemorative seat to Mrs Minto’s parents, past the turning circle and the wood at Hillside East.  Coun. Sandford thought it looked less than perfect, himself and Coun. Mrs Edes to look at the seat.  Clerk to reply to Mrs Minto.  Coun. Mrs Edes reported a resident being distressed as the Addycombe developers workmen had ripped out the hedges on 9/5/06, and it had been in the middle of the nesting season, the police are now involved.

Paths & Verges
          i].   Turks Head Stump
Coun. Mrs Edes and Sandford to look at again, Coun. Sandford sure there must be something at Heighley Gate that could be suitable.  Coun. Mrs Dawson and her sister did visit Heighley Gate and could not find anything, Coun. Sandford happy to look again for the purchase of an item.

Correspondence
          i].    E-Mail - John Tait - Rothbury FC - request for funding, book to be published costing approximately £1,000, Coun. Reynalds thought subject to sales making a profit the money would have to be reimbursed to the PC, and contributions would have to be recognised in print.  Coun. Sandford thought not in the remit of the PC to donate to ‘private’ projects.  Coun. Reynalds to ask Mr Tait if the venture is for private profits or community benefit.
          ii].    NCC - Youth Shelter Lighting Funding - Clerk to send Sue Bolam a letter of appreciation for her help in this.
          iii].   Christine Minto - Memorial Seat - complaint about seat repair - discussed earlier.
          iv].   Alnwick Playhouse - Summer 2006 - for information
          v].    National Parks - Local Development Framework Consultation - PC can be involved with this, information to be made available at Otterburn/Powburn show, comments should be made by 11/8/06.
          vi].    Community News - available for circulation
          vii].   ADC - Street Name & Numbering - reference ‘Whitton View’ - to confirm to ADC
          viii].  Northumberland Playing Fields Association - Playground Inspections - for information
          ix].    West Coast Energy - mast at Debdon Farm - asking to meet with PC, wind farm/large number of masts could be located there, agreed to ask them to consider a public meeting, Coun. Mrs Morton thought a private meeting firstly, the clerk to reply.
          x].     The Clerk Journal - available for circulation
          xi].    ADC - Dog Bin Request - discussed earlier
          xii].   NNPark - Budget Changes - staffing and responsibilities have changed.
          xiii].  NCC - Alnwick Area Committee Agenda/Minutes - for information
          xiv].  Clerks & Councils Direct - available for circulation
          xv].   NCC Highways Consultation Period - for information

Planning
          i].     Addycombe Development: Coun. Fendley reported himself and Coun. Sandford are meeting with Colin Bennett of Bowey Homes.  When the scheme was first proposed a meeting was carried out with no reluctance on their part, and they are extremely willing to meet with the PC.  Meeting scheduled for 25/7/07 2pm on the site, and having talked with them on issues such as the hedgerow, Coun. Fendley does not think much progress will be made as the police are having difficulty tracing the machine operator.  On the positive side, Environmental Health ADC have restricted works from commencing until 8am.  The biggest issue seems to be the temporary entrance at Knocklaw which is to last longer than anticipated.  The other main issue being infrastructure/utilities, and building is starting effectively now, and the PC should be reassured on services.  Coun. Mrs Edes said as they are starting to build, will it be some of the affordable housing?  The plan shows some of this affordable is in the North East corner which is now being built, and it will be in conjunction with a Housing Association.  Coun. Mrs Morton would like further details on the AH.  Coun. Sandford thought it very important the public realise what the PC is proposing, and need to publicise this so they can contact Coun. Fendley or Sandford personally if they wish to make comment.  Coun. Sandford thought the PC should publicise something themselves, Coun. Fendley happy to put together a visually attractive notice to be placed in the boards.

Planning Applications brought before the sub-committee:
             Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          i].     Grant Consent
          ii].    A/2006/0265: JT & L Murray, Springfield House - cherry tree cutting
          iii].   A/2006/0279: The Occupier, Sandyford House - tree works

Planning Applications received for the following:
          i].    A/2006/0333: Mr & Mrs T Allison, Low Haven, Back Crofts - extension - sub-committee to look at
          ii].   A/2006/0332; Mrs Rutherford, 6 Hurley Knowles - retention of conservatory (retrospective) - sub-committee to look at.  Coun. Mrs Morton thinks it important the sub-committee continue to make site visits.

Renovations to Youth Shelter
Discussed earlier.

Any Other Business
          i].    Coun. Mrs Morton has ADC correspondence regarding street closures - they have forwarded an application form, and it states on the last appendix Rothbury Street Fair, Christmas Lights Committee and the Music Festival do not have to pay for closures.  Coun. Mrs Edes said it has affected the Farmer’s Market and perhaps the new fee should be queried.  Coun. Sandford proposed a letter be forwarded to ADC asking why these charges have been implemented and if there is an automatic charge for any new events.
          ii].    Coun. Fendley reported the John Barleycorn festival to be held in October.
          iii].   Coun. Fendley said the village notice board is extremely dangerous - and the lid will not stay up by itself, and none of the locks are working.  It was thought a joiner would be required to look at it.
          iv].   Coun. Sandford said going over the main bridge on the left hand side immediately around the bend there are two large bushes, and if wishing to turn right you have to cross the line of traffic - the shrubbery needs cutting down to the height of the wall.  NCC office based in Alnwick carry out this work, clerk to contact R Stow.
          v].    National Parks requiring right of way over the grass by the NP office - a site visit was carried out by Coun. Mrs Dawson and Coun. Dawson, and the option of taking the corner off was deemed the best option.  This recommendation was agreed, Coun. Mrs Dawson to inform the personnel of this decision.

The meeting finished at 9.15pm
Claire Miller Clerk